Best Electric Companies in Texas
Verde Energy4.5(156)
WTU Retail Energy4.4(10)
TXU Energy4.1(369)
Contents
Best Electric Companies in Texas
In Texas, energy was deregulated in 2002, giving homeowners, renters and business owners more options when deciding who will provide electricity to their home or place of business. Texas electricity companies allow Texans to choose a provider who will give them the best price and service options.
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Compare Texas Electricity Companies | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Read 156 Reviews
| Renewable energy provider. Electricity and natural gas services. Partners with local utility companies. No sign-up fee. No long-term contracts. Locked-in pricing for up to 24 months. No early termination fees. | | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||
Read 10 Reviews
| Offers electricity and other services to residents and businesses throughout West Texas. With 3 plans available, their pricing begins at 11.2 cents per kWh for 24 months. | | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||
Read 369 Reviews
| Offers electricity and home protection plans to residents and businesses throughout Texas. With over 10 plans available, pricing starts at 10.9 per kWh for 12 months. | | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||
Read 226 Reviews
| Offers electricity to residents and businesses throughout 3 states. In Texas, their 9 plans begin at 9.4 cents per kWh for 36 months. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||
Read 909 Reviews
| Discount natural gas and electricity provider. Offers green energy options. Available in select states. Online enrollment. Flat-rate billing available in select areas. Residential and business services available. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||
Read 1,658 Reviews
| Canadian-based natural gas and electricity provider operating in Canadian and American markets. Supplies residential and commercial customers with price-protected or variable-priced energy contracts and green energy products. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||
Read 484 Reviews
| Low-price electricity plans starting at 10.4 cents per kWh for an 18-month fixed rate in some areas. Offers green-friendly options and an app that tracks energy usage. Availability and pricing varies depending on location. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||
Read 311 Reviews
| Offers electricity and other services to residents and businesses throughout Texas, including Houston, Corpus Cristi and Dallas. Choose from 9 plans starting at 11.5 per kWh on a month-to-month contract-free basis. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||
Read 3,114 Reviews
| Retail energy provider that specializes in electricity and natural gas for select locations in the U.S. and Canada. Rates based on location and quote. Easy-to-use website and live chat for customer questions. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||
Read 98 Reviews
| Offers electricity to residents and businesses throughout 9 states. With over 10 plans in Texas, pricing starts at 10.6 cents per kWh for 36 months. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||
Read 41 Reviews
| Offers electricity to residents and businesses across the country. With over 4 plans in Texas, pricing starts at 10.9 cents per kWh for 24 months. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||
| Read 13 Reviews | Offers electricity to residents throughout several Texas cities. There are 6 plans available, and pricing begins at 10.5 cents per kWh for a customizable time frame. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||
How much is electricity in Texas?
The average cost of electricity in Texas is about 10.98 cents per kilowatt-hour. Use the chart below to compare the energy rates of a featured plan from the top Texas electricity companies.
| Company name | Plan name | Contract length | Energy rate* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark Energy** | Spark Instant Plus | 12 months | $0.118/kWh |
| TXU Energy | SuperSecure | 12 months | $0.139/kWh |
| Green Mountain Energy | Go Local Solar | 12 months | $0.157/kWh |
| Bounce Energy | Amazing | 18 months | $0.118/kWh |
| Just Energy | Basics | 18 months | $0.139/kWh |
| Direct Energy** | Power on Command | 24 months | $0.121/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Secure Advantage | 24 months | $0.130/kWh |
| Champion Energy** | Champ Saver | 36 months | $0.119/kWh |
| TriEagle Energy | Green Eagle | 36 months | $0.119/kWh |
| Cirro Energy | Smart Lock | 36 months | $0.121/kWh |
*Energy rates are accurate as of 02/18/2019 for the ZIP code 77077
How to choose an electric company in Texas
1. Consider the electric company's history
Many Texas electricity companies have been around for decades, and each has a reputation that precedes it. Customers may want to take into account a company’s history and how they have handled providing electricity in the past.
- Legacy providers: The oldest Texas electricity companies, called legacy companies, have been around the longest, and they have provided electricity in the state since long before energy was deregulated.
- New electricity companies: Many Texas electric companies came about after energy was deregulated, and most offer the same quality of service as the older providers in the state.
2. Factor in any rewards programs
Because there are many electricity companies in Texas, companies may attempt to win customers over by offering extra rewards. These can include many types of promotions for signing up or rewards for using the service.
- Rewards programs: In Texas, some electricity companies offer customers cash and gift rewards in exchange for using their service.
- Sign-up promotions: Some Texas electric companies offer incentives for signing up for service, including gift cards, donations to charity or a promise of a lower bill.
- Additional services: Another extra incentive offered by many Texas electricity companies is the added bonus of extra helpful services, like a moving service that will help take care of ending electricity service when leaving and finding a new electricity provider in a new location.
3. Compare the electricity plans offered
One of the most important features of an electric company is the type of electricity plan offered to consumers. This is often the most important deciding factor for customers choosing a provider.
- Fixed rate plans: Some electric companies charge consumers a flat rate for electricity throughout the entirety of their electricity plan.
- Variable rate plans: Variable rate plans charge consumers a different rate from month to month, and these plans often lack contracts and allow consumers to take advantage of changes in the market.
- Green plans: Green electricity plans in Texas allow consumers to choose electricity generated from eco-friendly sources, like solar power.
4. Decide how eco-friendly you want to be
There’s no doubt that electricity uses up some of the Earth’s natural resources. However, some energy companies in Texas are more eco-friendly than others, using different sources of power and dispersing different amounts of emissions into the environment.
- Green companies: Electricity providers focused on eco-friendly power often generate electricity from sources other than natural gas, such as solar power, hydroelectric power (water) and wind.
- Traditional electric companies: Traditional electric companies in Texas generate electricity from more traditional sources that are not renewable, such as coal or natural gas.
5. Review the contract terms
Many electricity companies in Texas require consumers to sign a contract. The terms of this contract spell out how long a customer must stay with the company and how much they will pay, among other specifications.
- Non-contract companies: Some of Texas’ electricity providers do not make consumers sign a contract, and they provide power on a month-to-month basis.
- Minimum terms: Texas electricity companies with minimum terms require residents to commit to a certain amount of time buying energy from them, and these companies often charge a cancellation fee if service is ended before the contract expires.
Types of Texas electricity companies
Legacy electricity companies
Legacy electricity companies in Texas have been around the longest. These electric companies often rely on the more traditional non-renewable sources of power to generate electricity, and they often have the reputation for being some of the most dependable companies in terms of providing power for residents.
Green electricity companies
Green electricity companies in Texas are more focused on eco-friendliness. They often provide electricity generated by more renewable sources of power, such as solar power, water and wind.
Texas electricity companies FAQ
Is electricity expensive in Texas?
Yes, electricity is expensive in Texas. The state is the most expensive major electricity market in the U.S. However, Texas’ sunny climate makes it possible to save money by supplementing your home with solar energy.
How can I get a better deal on electricity?
To get a better deal on your electricity, you need to negotiate with your power company. Follow these steps to get the most bang for your buck:
- Compare rates from multiple providers.
- Ask your current electricity company to match its competitors’ best offers.
- Be polite but assertive with your demands.
- If you’re successful, see if you can get your discount applied to your most recent bill.
- Make sure the discount is perpetual rather than for a limited time.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas maintains its Power To Choose website so residents can find the best deals on electricity in their area.
Is electricity cheaper for businesses?
Typically, yes. Electricity is cheaper for businesses than for residential homes because businesses get bulk rates. Because most houses don’t pull enough power to qualify for bulk rates, the best way to save money at home is by reducing your energy usage.
How do I choose an energy supplier?
Texas is one of only 15 states that allow customers to choose their energy provider, so compare multiple suppliers to pick the right one:
- Find licensed energy companies with great reputations in your area.
- Compare their prices to see which ones provide the best rates.
- Check online reviews to see what customers have to say about each company’s service.
- Read through the contract to make sure there are no hidden terms.
How do I change my electricity provider in Texas?
If you’re considering changing your electricity provider:
- Check your current contract to make sure you can. Some companies lock you into rates for a certain amount of time and charge penalties if you try to cancel service early.
- Shop around and compare multiple companies to find the right one for you.
- To make the official switch, call your new power company and pick a start date. Cancel your current service as close to that date as possible.
What is a third-party energy supplier?
Third-party energy suppliers are middlemen in the electricity supply chain. These businesses buy energy from utility companies in bulk and sell it to consumers at a slightly higher rate, which sometimes helps customers save money. Third-party energy suppliers often provide better customer service, more flexible terms and fixed-rate plans.
Can I get electricity with bad credit?
Yes, you can get electricity with bad credit in Texas, although you may have to pay a larger deposit before starting service. Some companies waive the deposit for low-income households.
How do I find out who my energy supplier is?
The easiest way to determine your energy supplier is to ask your home’s previous resident or owner. If that’s not an option, find the meter and look for a sticker that indicates the company that owns it.
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Texas electricity company reviews
Champion Energy Services is a fast-growing electricity company that serves deregulated markets in the U.S. The company is Houston-based, but also serves consumers in Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland and New York.
Spark Energy was founded in 1999 and provides customers with electricity across the United States. The company is one of the pioneers in the retail energy business.
Direct Energy is one of the state’s largest electricity providers. Founded in Toronto in 1986, Direct is an international company that also provides consumers - both residential and commercial - with other utilities, including natural gas.
TriEagle Energy provides energy in the deregulated states of Texas, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They purchase power from natural gas, coal, nuclear and renewable sources like wind. Residents and businesses can opt to get power from 100 percent renewable sources when they sign up for a plan with TriEagle.
Reliant is a child company of the larger Fortune 500 company NRG. They provide businesses of all sizes as well as residential customers with electricity throughout the state of Texas.
Green Mountain Energy is an electricity company in Texas focused on eco-friendly energy. The company offers electricity via renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal power.
Cirro is an NRG company that provides electricity to Texans. The company has plans that cater to both residential consumers and businesses.
WTU Retail Energy is part of the Direct Energy family of companies, and it serves the western part of the state of Texas. WTU Retail Energy is a community-focused company.
Just Energy is a national energy company that provides many Texans with Electricity.
Bounce Energy provides electricity to residents in three different U.S. states - Texas, Pennsylvania and New York. Bounce Energy is a company that gears their service towards residential customers.
Texas Energy is one of the most popular energy companies in the state. They offer more power to Texans than any other provider within the state.
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
